Children: ‘No Christmas, Please!’ YAY!

[PoliticalPossum]

So, my teenagers confirmed last night they don’t want to do Christmas! They just want to spend the day with family, relaxing, eating good food, playing with the dog and watching old films - no roast, no presents, no forced interactions with family they don’t like.

Not sure whether to laugh, because honestly just eating nibbles, fruit and salads all day whilst we watch Star Wars and DH loses so badly at scrabble he tosses the tiles across the table again sounds amazing, or to cry tears of joy because they actually agreed on something together (honestly, it’s the first time I can remember them ever agreeing)

Not even anything to really comment on here. I just wanted to post and say how happy I am that we all get a day off and can actually just relax without any pressure! Obviously did not say this to them, just nodded and said ‘oh that sounds lovely’ but I am so pleased!

This sounds great, I hope you enjoy it OP. Can't believe all the surly posts! The poster who snarked about salads and nibbles not filling you up. LOL.

I felt like the embodiment of peak mumsnet the other day when my toddler asked to buy marinated tofu. I feel like I've some way to go now, reading all this.

Skipping a big party is one thing, but no presents and a massive salad sounds a bit depressing unless there's a backstory.

That actually sounds like our Xmas day lol. So you’re just having a quiet Xma rather than a big gathering. As you’ve already bought presents, I’d give them out.

Am I missing something? Spending the day relaxing and eating what you want, hanging out with your family sounds like Christmas to me?!! You’re just not doing Turkey (which lots of people don’t have), presents (seems a bit weird if you’ve already bought them and not give them, but fair enough), and not going to see extended family (which a lot of people don’t every year).

This! Give them their presents 🎁 other than that, your plan sounds great

Enjoy your day OP I dont bother with roasts and dressing up etc aswell its a day of rest. I would still give presents though just have them sitting out and they can choose when to open/look at them. Or maybe do presents Christmas eve/boxing day? Either way Merry Resting Christmas 😄

So MIL and DM are still coming but are having salad, games and no gifts foisted upon them? It doesn't sound like the sort of Christmas 'two winos' would like. Are they aware of the change of plans? Or have I got this all wrong?

Hmm I think it's good to listen but I would also meet half way. So a roast and presents but stay at home. (FWIW from when we had babies we decided to not host and not visit and just have a family Christmas (people do pop in afternoon time) and it's lovely.

Agree. If it's been so awful how come you've waited until a week before the day for your teenagers to confirm they want to have a quiet day?

Wow, that might win prizes for the 'nastiest comment wrapped up in a bow' I've read on here yet!

so you’ve not got round to getting any of your teens anything op?

God the poor DM/MIL will be off their heads drinking wine with only a sharing bowl of lettuce and a clementine to eat.

Sounds like a normal weekend.

Absolutely skip the party if nobody wants to go and you wont be missed. But i think treat dinner (still something that is low effort), some chocolates and some gifts would be nice, especially as you already have them.

I think going more low key might be what kids mean rather than no presents, eat healthily and play board games.

according to a recent post …. OP is only 30

To answer a few assumptions people have made:

1. We all love salads. We’re a big salad family - 4-5 times a week and sometimes with meats or fish. Fattoush and Kisir are a big hit in this house - and saying we’ll have salad isn’t a stealth boast (we have them often, as I said, so it was more an example of how relaxed it’ll be - also weird anyone could think salad is a stealth boast).
2. DH and I have already had our present (a month ago) from DC as it was a joint anniversary/Christmas present so DC have not forgotten or can’t be arsed (and yes, I checked with DC that they didn’t want their presents in light of this). But they haven’t asked for anything specific, so they don’t want it urgently and are happy to wait and know if they want them, they are there. I’m not some evil cow withholding presents! TBH they’re at a point now where everything they want or need, they have (unless it’s insanely expensive).
3. DC will get their presents (currently at DM house) for their birthday + extras. Again I’m not evil.
4. MIL and DM ARE coming. For a week. They always do. Every year and have for 20+ years (both widows). MIL and DM will be made aware today, and likely will not care either way - as long as they’re with their family (and the sherry) they’re happy. At late 80s, they don’t eat full roasts anyway - they just graze (and yes, both love salads - because salads, done well, are not boring).

And no, I don’t have ‘MH issues’ for the person who asked that - what a nasty comment! @Petrasings Referring to it on the way you did it grossly offensive to those people who do have mental health related troubles. ‘Issues’ is a nasty phrase to describe it.

you have teenagers but you’re 30?

It’s called adoption. Perhaps you have heard of it?

I don’t think many of us have heard of it being done by 30 year olds and husbands prone to throwing things in anger, tbh.

Since you've confirmed the grannies are included, YANBU OP- enjoy!

let me get this straight

you’re 30

and you have adopted multiple teenagers?

Hurrah!!! Happy for you OP :) If it brings joy at Christmas it's a win!

aged 30

When were these teenagerS placed with you?

30 year olds adopting multiple teenagers

interesting

Your DH sounds pathetic and horrible. How immature to get so wound up over a board game.

Non present wanting salad loving teens...wow